Prosecutors admit no evidence of human trafficking in Robert Kraft case
Robert Kraft was initially implicated as part of what investigators called a human trafficking sting, but the case seems to have taken a turn over the past several weeks.
Kraft, who has been charged with two counts of solicitation of prostitution, was in court for a hearing on Friday. During the proceedings, prosecutors in Jupiter, Fla., acknowledged that no one at the day spa Kraft allegedly patronized will be charged with human trafficking.
Prosecutors just admitted at a hearing about the Robert Kraft video they will not charge anyone at Orchids of Asia with human trafficking. Prosecutor: "we have no evidence that there's human trafficking involved."
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) April 12, 2019
Law enforcement officials maintain that the lack of human trafficking evidence will not have an impact on Kraft’s case or any of the other men they say paid for illegal sex acts. However, Kraft’s legal team will almost certainly argue otherwise.
Investigators have video evidence of Kraft engaging in sexual activity at the Orchids of Asia spa, and an attorney representing the New England Patriots owner argued Friday that the footage is “pornography” and should not be made public.
Kraft's legal team has viewed the video – his attorney in court today Bill Burck: "It's basically pornography."
"I don't think there's interest the state has, or the media has, in publishing it…there's no need to actually see the video."
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) April 12, 2019
The statement Kraft released last month came close to admitting guilt, but he has entered a not guilty plea to both counts.
